Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
The level of protection of the University Lake watershed area has been a controv- <br /> ersial topic of discussion in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. The new connection <br /> between Bethel-Hickory Grove Church Road and Eubanks Road eliminates the need <br /> for the connection between Hatch Road and the Homestead Road extension near <br /> Calvander west of Carrboro. This Hatch Road connection would have crossed the <br /> University Lake Watershed. Although the new connection also crosses the wat- <br /> ershed area, it is approximately 1.5 miles further away from the lake, reducing the <br /> impact to the watershed. In addition, by drawing traffic away from NC 54, which is <br /> closer to University Lake.than either new road, the impact to University Lake will <br /> . be reduced. <br /> ISSUES DISCUSSED AT PUBLIC CGS <br /> As mentioned earlier in this report, the staff held a series of public meetings to <br /> present information on the deficiencies in the existing transportation system. <br /> Numerous areas of concern were discussed by the citizens who spoke at the <br /> meetings. Some of the issues discussed were the following: <br /> Eno Drive: <br /> Several citizens voiced concern over the proximity of Eno Drive in North- <br /> western Durham to the Eno River. The alignment of Eno Drive has been <br /> shifted slightly to minimize adverse environmental impacts. Existing <br /> residential development restricts the alignment to a fairly narrow corridor, <br /> however. <br /> Outer Loop: <br /> There was concern over the possible impact of the proposed Outer Loop north <br /> of Chapel Hill on the Emerson-Waldorff School. A detailed functional design <br /> of the N.C. 86 interchange with the Loop will have to be prepared before an <br /> analysis can be made of noise and other impacts on the school. If problems <br /> appear, alternative designs will be prepared. <br /> Neighborhood Protection: <br /> Cut-through traffic has a detrimental effect on neighborhoods. Congestion <br /> on the thoroughfare network encourages motorists to find short-cuts along <br /> residential streets. A well designed and efficient transportation system <br /> helps to keep through traffic on thoroughfares and off of residential . <br /> streets. Both groups and individuals have voiced concern over the protec- <br /> tion of their neighborhoods. <br /> 4.9 <br />